Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre is quite happy presiding over the upcoming show on Life OK, Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz (Big Synergy).
We have deliberately not used the word judge for she says that Terence Lewis and she are not judges but cool gurus who will mentor kids between the age of 8 to 15 years. “The best part of our show is that there is no competition. These kids will just come and display their varied talents. Unlike other shows, where only the winner gets a big booty, all the participants here will get something,” shared Sonali with Tellychakkar.com
Explaining the changed format, Sonali further shared,“I have seen other children-based reality shows and was not comfortable seeing parents of the contestants getting aggressive. Children need to be given a stress-free environment to showcase their talents. I know some kids thrive under this glare, but a large number of them also get bogged down.”
But is competition not vital? “I agree it is and it was this lack of competition that mattered in the delay of the show. The absence of a face-off also had commercial implications. But all’s well that ends well, full marks to Siddharth Basu ( Big Synergy) and Ajit Thakur (General Manager Life OK) for going ahead with this show in which we all can have a good time.”
Sonali who has earlier been part of the jury of other reality shows like Indian Idol and India’s Got Talent went on to state, “I was never the one who insulted the participants and asked them to get out. Even if you felt that the contestants were not fit to be there, there is always a sweeter way to say the same. Some people believe that if you abuse and insult, the show would be a sure shot TRP booster.”
While talking, Sonali, in a way, opened the old can of worms of whether channels instruct judges/celeb hosts of reality show to behave in a particular manner? “
“When I hosted Kya Masti Kya Dhoom (Star Plus), I made sure that I can do what I feel like. It was written in my contract.” So does that mean others are also told what to talk? “I don’t know. Even though I was not told, I just wanted to play safe.”
Concluding, Sonali shared, “All those folks who keep complaining that reality shows are full of negativity and abuse should now offer support to our show. I feel that it is always better to put your money where your mouth is and I have done just that. And I hope it does well.”